Botox

Botox® / Dysport® / Xeomin®

One of the most familiar ways to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles is with Botox® (other brands include Dysport® and Xeomin®). This simple non-surgical treatment temporarily smoothes and reduces the appearance of deep folds, lines and wrinkles. It is safe and FDA approved.

Maker: Allergan (Botox), Galderma (Dysport), Xeomin (Merz)

Main Ingredient: A purified protein derived from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum.

How It Works: Normally, your brain sends electrochemical messages to your muscles to make them contract and move. These messages are transmitted from a nerve to the muscle by a substance called acetylcholine. Botox, Dysport and Xeomin block the nerve from releasing acetylcholine. As a result, the muscle contractions stop or are greatly reduced. This in turn reduces the wrinkles in that area.

Uses: All three can safely and successfully treat wrinkles that are caused by muscle contractions. These include frown lines, forehead creases, crow’s feet and neck bands. Botox is FDA approved to treat under arm sweating also.

Duration: Clients can usually see results within days of the treatment, but the full effect can take up to 10 days. Visible results have been shown to last up to 3-5 months (and up to 1 year for hyperhidrosis.) Results last longer after you have received consecutive treatments over time. There is no downtime

Special Attributes: Botox, Dysport and Xeomin are very similar injectables, however, different manufacturers make them. Botox is by far the industry leader in mild to moderate reduction of frown lines, forehead creases and crow’s feet. Some prefer Dysport because they feel that it sets in a day or two sooner. Xeomin has no additives, which some consider more natural. We encourage clients to consult with their practitioner when deciding which product is best for individual results.

General FAQs

What is the treatment like?

Treatments are quick and minimally invasive. Discomfort is also minimal. No anesthesia is required, although very sensitive clients may opt to numb the area with a cold pack or numbing cream prior to injection. There is no down time.

Is Botox Botulism food poisoning?

Botulism in this regard is a foodborne illness. Botox is not botulism, but it is purified form the same type of bacterium. Botox is extremely safe and is now used to treat many medical ailments as well.

Will I be able to make facial expressions?

Yes. Of course you are looking for visible results, but Botox will not radically change your facial appearance or make you look as if you’ve “had work done.” The muscle activity that causes, for example, frown lines between the brows are temporarily reduced by Botox. After the treatment you can still frown and look surprised, just without the wrinkles and lines between your brows.

How many units of Botox will I need?

The number of units needed per area can vary depending upon the desired outcome and degree of lines/wrinkles being treated. On average, the forehead for example, may need 12-40 units. The best way to determine how many units are needed is to set up a face to face consultation.

Do you dilute your Botox?

Botox comes from Allergan in freeze dried powdered form. Therefore, it must have a dilute to make it injectable. Our practice uses the recommended mixture ratio, which is 1cc per 100u. This reduces the risk of problems and adds to longevity.

Is there a pricing difference?

We price our Botox twice as much as Dysport because we use twice as many Dysport units when injecting. Dysport is a smaller molecule, therefore, you need twice as much to equal Botox. In the end, the cost is the same to our clients.

Stop by and see firsthand the amazing results made possible by these popular procedures. Receive a free consultation from one of SouthWest Laser and Medspa’s experienced nurses to see which dermal injectable is right for you!